The University of Fort Hare (UFH) is poised to make a landmark contribution to veterinary education and rural development with plans to establish South Africa’s second Veterinary Academic Hospital.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
In a recent statement, the UFH said its representatives met with the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, to present the proposal.
According to the statement, the Minister welcomed the initiative, highlighting the urgent need to expand veterinary capacity nationwide. “There is no doubt that we need more veterinarians and more veterinary facilities in the country,” said Steenhuisen. “As we strengthen national biosecurity, veterinary and plant health expertise will become absolutely critical.”
Also read: Fort Hare agriculture building destroyed: Setback for veterinary studies initiative
Expanding Capacity and Infrastructure
The initiative involves expanding UFH’s existing Veterinary Clinic, funded at R22 million, alongside the establishment of the university’s seventh faculty: the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences. A new teaching veterinary hospital will be the country’s first in over a century, following the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital at the University of Pretoria.
The proposed hospital is projected to cost R253 million, based on benchmarking against similar institutions. It aims to expand clinical services and veterinary training across South Africa, addressing critical skills gaps in animal health and agricultural development.
At the core of the project is the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) programme, submitted to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in September 2025 for Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) clearance. Approval is pending a meeting with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Honourable Buti Manamela.
The project follows the recent approval of an R80 million grant from DHET to build the first phase of veterinary science facilities at UFH’s Honeydale Research Farm in Alice.
A Faculty Built for Rural Development
The new faculty will comprise five departments, including the newly established Veterinary Biomedical and Paraclinical Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine and Clinical Sciences for Terrestrial and Aquatic Species, alongside the existing Animal and Pasture Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Extension, and Agribusiness departments. The new campus, including academic facilities and residences, is set to transform the rural landscape of Alice.
The BVSc programme is designed to address South Africa’s shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Graduates will support livestock and aquaculture health, strengthen disease surveillance, boost food security and contribute to public health, while also developing expertise in wildlife and aquatic veterinary medicine. The curriculum incorporates terrestrial and aquatic streams, early clinical exposure, and a One Health approach linking human, animal and environmental health.
Training the Next Generation of Veterinarians
UFH plans to admit the first cohort of 30 students in 2027/28, once final approvals are received. Practical training and internships will take place across Eastern Cape veterinary clinics and farms, with full capacity expected to produce up to 100 graduates annually.
Prof. Sakhela Buhlungu, UFH Vice-Chancellor, said the initiative represents a major national intervention in veterinary education and rural development. “This is not simply about establishing another academic programme. It is about expanding national capacity in veterinary training and building the infrastructure required to support South Africa’s animal health system,” he said.
Emeritus Professor Renuka Vithal emphasised the need for clinical infrastructure: “Training veterinarians does not end with the degree. Graduates must complete their clinical training and internship in a veterinary hospital to be licensed to practise. Currently, South Africa has only one such hospital. Expanding veterinary training means expanding the clinical facilities to support it.”
The proposed hospital will provide critical veterinary services to farming communities in the Eastern Cape and create new research opportunities in livestock health, disease surveillance and aquatic veterinary science.
Also read: Black farmers frustrated by poor service delivery from state veterinary services
Aligning with National Priorities
Minister Steenhuisen highlighted how the initiative bridges rural and urban divides in veterinary services. “Too often there has been a bias toward companion animals, while commercial livestock operations require greater professional support,” he noted. He also emphasised the growing importance of provinces like the Eastern Cape in livestock production and agricultural exports, which increases the need for well-trained veterinarians.
While funding will require further government engagement, Steenhuisen described the initiative as highly promising: “I would love to sign the cheque today if I had the cheque book with me. Expanding veterinary training and infrastructure is something the country needs.” He confirmed he would discuss the project with Minister Manamela to explore possible pathways for support.
Prof. Buhlungu added that UFH is committed to partnering with government and industry to realise the initiative and stressed the importance of including the Eastern Cape’s wildlife sector. Discussions are also planned with Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Honourable Willie Aucamp, to highlight the project’s significance for aquaculture and the broader oceans economy.
“Fort Hare is ready to play its part in strengthening South Africa’s veterinary capacity. This initiative reflects our long-standing commitment to rural development, agricultural advancement, and the training of professionals who will serve communities where their skills are needed most,” Prof. Buhlungu said.
Also read: HWSETA holds roadshow to inspire the next generation of Veterinary Professionals in South Africa
